US20080135222A1 - Pipe connecting structure for a heat exchanger - Google Patents
Pipe connecting structure for a heat exchanger Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080135222A1 US20080135222A1 US11/986,137 US98613707A US2008135222A1 US 20080135222 A1 US20080135222 A1 US 20080135222A1 US 98613707 A US98613707 A US 98613707A US 2008135222 A1 US2008135222 A1 US 2008135222A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- header
- connecting structure
- header tubes
- tubes
- pipe
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 description 16
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 12
- 238000005219 brazing Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 7
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000004378 air conditioning Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002826 coolant Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 238000005728 strengthening Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D1/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators
- F28D1/02—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid
- F28D1/04—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits
- F28D1/053—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being straight
- F28D1/0535—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary conduit assemblies for one heat-exchange medium only, the media being in contact with different sides of the conduit wall, in which the other heat-exchange medium is a large body of fluid, e.g. domestic or motor car radiators with heat-exchange conduits immersed in the body of fluid with tubular conduits the conduits being straight the conduits having a non-circular cross-section
- F28D1/05366—Assemblies of conduits connected to common headers, e.g. core type radiators
- F28D1/05391—Assemblies of conduits connected to common headers, e.g. core type radiators with multiple rows of conduits or with multi-channel conduits combined with a particular flow pattern, e.g. multi-row multi-stage radiators
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F9/00—Casings; Header boxes; Auxiliary supports for elements; Auxiliary members within casings
- F28F9/02—Header boxes; End plates
- F28F9/0246—Arrangements for connecting header boxes with flow lines
Definitions
- the invention relates to a piping structure for a heat exchanger; more particularly, a simplified header construction having compact pipe connecting structure capable of withstanding high pressures.
- Heat exchangers are used in vehicles to cool engine coolant, to cool charge air and to heat and/or cool refrigerant in a vehicle air conditioning system.
- Such heat exchangers typically comprise upper and lower header tanks or manifolds having a plurality of fluid passages extending therebetween, air gaps, typically provided with strengthening ribs, are provided between the refrigerant passages to allow heat transfer between a flow of air passing through the air gaps and a flow of a fluid passing through the fluid passages.
- Connection means are typically provided at ends of one or both of the header tanks for connecting to delivery and discharge conduits supplying fluid to be cooled/heated to and from the heat exchanger.
- connection means are formed by brazing a pipe connection onto a connection block joined to an end region of a header tank.
- Such pipe connections are difficult to form in situe in the vehicle, particularly in the case of a heat exchanger (typically an evaporator) provided within a HVAC module of a vehicle air conditioning system, leading to packaging constraints due to the need for extended header tank end regions and fixed pipe routing.
- Such pipe connections can also lead to leakage problems, particularly where carbon dioxide is used as a refrigerant. When carbon dioxide is used as refrigerant, very high pressures in the range of up to more than 80 bar exist within the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning system. The pressure loading on individual components of an air conditioning system therefore rises significantly.
- a pipe connecting structure for a heat exchanger including a header portion or manifold defined by a plurality of parallel elongate header tubes; connector block having a side face adapted to abut against a side region of an outer one of the header tubes and connection means configured to connect a pipe thereto; and joining means including at least one elongate tubular member having a first end adapted to be inserted through a hole formed in a first side wall of at least the outer one of the header tubes, and a second end extending through a corresponding hole in the side face of the connector block, whereby the second end communicates with the connection means.
- the at least one tubular member extends substantially perpendicular to the plurality of header tubes.
- the first end of the at least one elongate tubular member is adapted to extend through a corresponding hole in a second side wall of the outer one of the header tubes diametrically opposite the first side wall and through an aperture in a side wall of the one of the plurality of header tubes furthest from the outer one of the header tubes, whereby the first end communicates with an interior of the furthest one of the header tubes, whereby the at least one tubular member of the joining means extends between, and perpendicular to, the plurality of elongate header tubes to connect the plurality of elongate pipes to one another and to the connector block.
- the at least one tubular member of the joining means includes a radially extending flange located between the first and second ends and adapted to be positioned between sides faces of the furthest one of the header tubes and an adjacent header tube.
- the header portion comprises two parallel elongate header tubes, a first tube corresponding to the outer one of the header tubes and a second tube corresponding to the furthest one of the header tubes, the radially extending flange being positioned between the first and second tubes.
- the joining means comprises a plurality of parallel tubular members arranged in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of header tubes of the header portion.
- connection means of the connector block may be adapted to receive the pipe with the pipe arranged parallel to the plurality of header tubes.
- the connection means of the connector block may be adapted to receive the pipe with the pipe arranged perpendicular to the plurality of header tubes.
- connection means of the connector block includes a flange or stub to be received within an end of the pipe.
- connection means includes an aperture for receiving an end of the pipe.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a known pipe connecting structure for a heat exchanger
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pipe connecting structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the pipe connecting structure of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pipe connecting structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the pipe connecting structure of FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the pipe connecting structure of FIG. 4 taken along line A-A;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pipe connecting structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a further perspective view of the pipe connecting structure of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the pipe connecting structure of FIG. 6 ;
- FIGS. 10 and 11 are exploded perspective views of a pipe connecting structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the pipe connecting structure of FIG. 10 taken along line B-B and;
- FIG. 13 is a detailed perspective view of the pipe connecting structure of FIG. 10 with the conduit omitted.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a typical cross flow heat exchanger 1 having a first and second spaced manifolds or header tanks 2 , 3 with a plurality of coolant or refrigerant tubes 4 extending therebetween, said refrigerant tubes 4 being separated by fins to enhance refrigerant to air heat transfer. Refrigerant flows between the manifolds 2 , 3 via the tubes 4 .
- Each manifold 2 , 3 is formed from two parallel header tubes 10 , 11 , each header tube 10 , 11 of the first manifold 2 communicating with a respective header tube 12 , 13 of the second manifold 3 via a respective number of said refrigerant tubes 4 .
- One of the two header tubes 10 of the first manifold 2 comprises a refrigerant delivery conduit and the other header tube 11 of the first manifold 2 comprises a discharge conduit.
- the second manifold 3 is provided with bridging passageways between its two constituent header tubes 12 , 13 to provide cross flow.
- a refrigerant delivery line 14 is connected to the first header tube 10 of the first manifold 2 and a refrigerant discharge line 15 is connected to the second header tube 11 of the first manifold 2 .
- Such connections are made by a connector block 16 joined to the ends the header tubes 10 , 11 beyond the block of refrigerant tubes 4 , apertures being formed in such connection block into which are fixed, typically by brazing, the ends of the delivery and discharge lines 14 , 15 .
- the connector block 16 also has to serve as a support and spacer for the ends of the header tubes 10 , 11 , the header tubes 10 , 11 requiring further support, spacing and joining means adjacent the ends of the header tubes remote from the connector block 16 , this requiring further brazing and/or assembly steps.
- an improved pipe connecting structure comprises a connector block 110 having a side face 112 configured to abut against a side region 124 of a first header tube 100 and having an elongated aperture or row of holes formed in said face 112 for receiving the ends of joining members 130 a , 130 b , 130 c as will be described below.
- Each joining member 130 a , 130 b , 130 c comprises a tubular body having a first portion 131 a , 131 b , 131 c , adapted to be inserted into a corresponding hole 103 a , 103 b , 103 c formed in a side wall of a second header tube 102 , and a second portion 132 a , 132 b , 132 c , adapted to be inserted through diametrically opposed holes 101 a , 101 b , 101 c , formed in opposite side walls of the first header tube 100 , whereby said second portion 132 a , 132 b , 132 c of the joining member 130 a , 130 b , 130 c extends through said first header tube 100 and into the connector block 110 , thus providing fluid communication between the second header tube 102 and the connector block 110 .
- a radially extending flange 134 a , 134 b , 134 c is formed on each joining member 130 a , 130 b , 130 c between said first and second portions thereof to be positioned, in use, between the first and second header tubes.
- An outer face 114 of the connector block 110 is provided with an aperture 116 for receiving a flattened end 142 of a delivery or discharge conduit 140 .
- the connector block 110 can be secured to the header tubes by inserting a tool through the aperture 116 into at least one of the joining members whereby regions of the joining member on either side of the respective apertures in the header tubes and be expanded or clinched to lock the components together.
- the joining members 130 a , 130 b , 130 c , connector block 110 and the conduit 140 can then be sealed in their respective receiving apertures by brazing or by suitable adhesive.
- a compact connecting structure serves to provide fluid connection between a delivery or discharge conduit and a header pipe of the manifold while at the same time supporting and correctly spacing the ends of the header tubes.
- the connector block 210 has a side face 212 configured to abut against a side region 224 of a first header tube 200 and having an elongated aperture or row of holes 211 a , 211 b , 211 c formed in said face 212 for receiving the ends of joining members 230 a , 230 b , 230 c.
- each joining member 230 a , 230 b , 230 c comprises a tubular body having a first portion 231 a , 231 b , 231 c , adapted to be inserted into a corresponding hole 203 a , 203 b , 203 c formed in a side wall of a second header tube 202 , and a second portion 232 a , 232 b , 232 c , adapted to be inserted through diametrically opposed holes 201 a , 201 b , 201 c , formed in opposite side walls of the first header tube 200 , whereby said second portion 232 a , 232 b , 232 c of the joining member 230 a , 230 b , 230 c extends through said first header tube 200 and into the connector block 210 , thus providing fluid communication between the second header tube 202 and the connector block 210 .
- a radially extending flange 234 a , 234 b , 234 c is formed on each joining member 230 a , 230 b , 230 c between said first and second portions thereof to be positioned, in use, between the first and second header tubes.
- the connector block 210 comprises a substantially tubular body having an aperture 216 in one end face for receiving end 242 of a delivery or discharge conduit 240 such that said end of the conduit 240 is arranged parallel to the header tubes 200 , 202 .
- An axial slot 244 is provided in the end of the conduit 240 for receiving the ends of the second portions 232 a , 232 b , 232 c of the joining member 230 a , 230 b , 230 c .
- the conduit 240 is formed with a bend spaced from said end 242 . Such arrangement provides a degree of flexibility in the angle of the conduit extending from the manifold to provide more flexibility in installation of the heat exchanger by selecting the circumferential position of the slot 244 in the end of the conduit 240 .
- An aperture 205 is provided in an outer side of the connector block through which a tool can be inserted to deform or clinch the central joining member 230 b to lock the connector block 210 to the header tubes 200 , 202 , the connecting structure being subsequently sealed by means of brazing or adhesive.
- the ends of the header tubes 200 , 202 are sealed by means of a plug 250 .
- the connector 310 is again joined to the header tubes 300 , 302 by means of joining members 330 a , 330 b , 330 c , each comprises a tubular body having a first portion 331 a , 331 b , 331 c , adapted to be inserted into a corresponding hole 303 a , 303 b , 303 c formed in a side wall of a second header tube 302 , and a second portion 332 a , 332 b , 332 c , adapted to be inserted through diametrically opposed holes 301 a , 301 b , 301 c , formed in opposite side walls of the first header tube 300 , whereby said second portion 332 a , 332 b , 332 c of the joining member 330 a , 330 b , 330 c extends through said first header tube 300 and into the connector block 310 , thus
- a radially extending flange 334 a , 334 b , 334 c is formed on each joining member 330 a , 330 b , 330 c between said first and second portions thereof to be positioned, in use, between the first and second header tubes 300 , 302 .
- the connector block 310 is adapted to slidingly receive an end 342 of a delivery or discharge conduit 340 over a portion of the connector block 310 .
- An axial slot 344 is provided in the end 342 of the conduit 340 to enable the conduit 340 to be slid over a substantially tubular portion 346 of the connector block 310 , the tubular portion 315 having an opening 316 end to enable fluid communication between the conduit 340 and the joining members 330 a , 330 b , 330 c and hence the second header tube 302 .
- An aperture 305 is provided in an outer side of the connector block through which a tool can be inserted to deform or clinch the central joining member 330 b to lock the connector block 310 to the header tubes 300 , 302 , the connecting structure being subsequently sealed by means of brazing or adhesive.
- a plug 350 is inserted into the ends of the header tubes 300 , 302 to close the tubes.
- FIGS. 10 to 13 A fourth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 13 .
- the connector block 410 is adapted to provide fluid communication with the header tube 400 to which it is abutted.
- the connector block 410 has a side face 412 configured to abut against a side region 424 of a first header tube 400 and having an elongated row of holes formed in said face 412 for receiving the ends of joining members 430 a , 430 b , 430 c as will be described below.
- Each joining member 430 a , 430 b , 430 c comprises a tubular body having a first portion 431 a , 431 b , 431 c , adapted to be inserted into a corresponding hole 401 a , 401 b , 401 c formed in the side region 424 of the first header tube 400 , and a second portion 432 a , 432 b , 432 c , adapted to be inserted into the corresponding hole in the connector block 410 , thus providing fluid communication between the second header tube 102 and the connector block 110 .
- the first portion 431 a , 431 b , 431 c of each joining member has a smaller diameter than the second portion 432 a , 432 b , 432 c to limit the insertion of each joining member into its corresponding aperture in the header tube 400 .
- An outer face 414 of the connector block 110 is provided with an aperture 416 for receiving a flattened end 442 of a delivery or discharge conduit 440 .
- the connector block 410 can be secured to the header tubes by inserting a tool through the aperture 416 into at least the central one 430 b of the joining members to deform or clinch the end regions of the joining member to lock the components together.
- the joining members 430 a , 430 b , 430 c , connector block 410 and the conduit 440 can then be sealed in their respective receiving apertures by brazing or by suitable adhesive.
- the plug 450 serves to close the ends of the header tubes while at the same time holding the two header tubes together at the correct spacing.
- a compact face connecting structure that can provide a pipe connection with the header tube either the closest or furthest from the connection block by the use of the appropriate joining members.
- joining members 330 a , 330 b , 330 c extend though the first header tube 300 into the second header tube 302 , they may be provided with radial apertures in their second portions 332 a , 332 b , 332 c if fluid communication between the connector block 310 and the first header tube 300 as well as the second header tube 302 is desired.
Abstract
A pipe connecting structure for a heat exchanger having a header portion or manifold defined by a plurality of parallel elongate header tubes, connector block having a side face adapted to abut against a side region of an outer one of the header tubes and connection means configured to connect a pipe thereto, and joining means. The joining means include at least one elongate tubular member having a first end adapted to be inserted through a hole formed in a first side wall of at least the outer one of the header tubes, and a second end extending through a corresponding hole in the side face of the connector block, whereby the second end communicates with the connection means.
Description
- The invention relates to a piping structure for a heat exchanger; more particularly, a simplified header construction having compact pipe connecting structure capable of withstanding high pressures.
- Heat exchangers are used in vehicles to cool engine coolant, to cool charge air and to heat and/or cool refrigerant in a vehicle air conditioning system. Such heat exchangers typically comprise upper and lower header tanks or manifolds having a plurality of fluid passages extending therebetween, air gaps, typically provided with strengthening ribs, are provided between the refrigerant passages to allow heat transfer between a flow of air passing through the air gaps and a flow of a fluid passing through the fluid passages.
- Connection means are typically provided at ends of one or both of the header tanks for connecting to delivery and discharge conduits supplying fluid to be cooled/heated to and from the heat exchanger.
- Typically such connection means are formed by brazing a pipe connection onto a connection block joined to an end region of a header tank. Such pipe connections are difficult to form in situe in the vehicle, particularly in the case of a heat exchanger (typically an evaporator) provided within a HVAC module of a vehicle air conditioning system, leading to packaging constraints due to the need for extended header tank end regions and fixed pipe routing. Such pipe connections can also lead to leakage problems, particularly where carbon dioxide is used as a refrigerant. When carbon dioxide is used as refrigerant, very high pressures in the range of up to more than 80 bar exist within the refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning system. The pressure loading on individual components of an air conditioning system therefore rises significantly.
- What is needed is a more compact and reliable pipe connecting structure that provides more versatile pipe routing while better withstanding high refrigerant pressures while at the same time simplifying header construction.
- According to the present invention there is provided a pipe connecting structure for a heat exchanger including a header portion or manifold defined by a plurality of parallel elongate header tubes; connector block having a side face adapted to abut against a side region of an outer one of the header tubes and connection means configured to connect a pipe thereto; and joining means including at least one elongate tubular member having a first end adapted to be inserted through a hole formed in a first side wall of at least the outer one of the header tubes, and a second end extending through a corresponding hole in the side face of the connector block, whereby the second end communicates with the connection means.
- Preferably the at least one tubular member extends substantially perpendicular to the plurality of header tubes.
- In one embodiment the first end of the at least one elongate tubular member is adapted to extend through a corresponding hole in a second side wall of the outer one of the header tubes diametrically opposite the first side wall and through an aperture in a side wall of the one of the plurality of header tubes furthest from the outer one of the header tubes, whereby the first end communicates with an interior of the furthest one of the header tubes, whereby the at least one tubular member of the joining means extends between, and perpendicular to, the plurality of elongate header tubes to connect the plurality of elongate pipes to one another and to the connector block.
- Preferably the at least one tubular member of the joining means includes a radially extending flange located between the first and second ends and adapted to be positioned between sides faces of the furthest one of the header tubes and an adjacent header tube.
- In one embodiment the header portion comprises two parallel elongate header tubes, a first tube corresponding to the outer one of the header tubes and a second tube corresponding to the furthest one of the header tubes, the radially extending flange being positioned between the first and second tubes.
- Preferably the joining means comprises a plurality of parallel tubular members arranged in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of header tubes of the header portion.
- The connection means of the connector block may be adapted to receive the pipe with the pipe arranged parallel to the plurality of header tubes. Alternatively, the connection means of the connector block may be adapted to receive the pipe with the pipe arranged perpendicular to the plurality of header tubes.
- In one embodiment the connection means of the connector block includes a flange or stub to be received within an end of the pipe. In an alternative embodiment the connection means includes an aperture for receiving an end of the pipe.
- Further features and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on a reading of the following detail description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, which is given by way of non-limiting example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a known pipe connecting structure for a heat exchanger; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pipe connecting structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the pipe connecting structure ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pipe connecting structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the pipe connecting structure ofFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the pipe connecting structure ofFIG. 4 taken along line A-A; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pipe connecting structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 is a further perspective view of the pipe connecting structure ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the pipe connecting structure ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIGS. 10 and 11 are exploded perspective views of a pipe connecting structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the pipe connecting structure ofFIG. 10 taken along line B-B and; -
FIG. 13 is a detailed perspective view of the pipe connecting structure ofFIG. 10 with the conduit omitted. - In accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention,
FIG. 1 illustrates a typical cross flow heat exchanger 1 having a first and second spaced manifolds orheader tanks 2,3 with a plurality of coolant or refrigerant tubes 4 extending therebetween, said refrigerant tubes 4 being separated by fins to enhance refrigerant to air heat transfer. Refrigerant flows between themanifolds 2,3 via the tubes 4. - Each
manifold 2,3 is formed from twoparallel header tubes header tube respective header tube 12,13 of thesecond manifold 3 via a respective number of said refrigerant tubes 4. One of the twoheader tubes 10 of the first manifold 2 comprises a refrigerant delivery conduit and theother header tube 11 of the first manifold 2 comprises a discharge conduit. Thesecond manifold 3 is provided with bridging passageways between its twoconstituent header tubes 12,13 to provide cross flow. - A
refrigerant delivery line 14 is connected to thefirst header tube 10 of the first manifold 2 and arefrigerant discharge line 15 is connected to thesecond header tube 11 of the first manifold 2. Such connections are made by aconnector block 16 joined to the ends theheader tubes discharge lines - The
connector block 16 also has to serve as a support and spacer for the ends of theheader tubes header tubes connector block 16, this requiring further brazing and/or assembly steps. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 2 and 3 , in a first embodiment of the present invention, an improved pipe connecting structure comprises aconnector block 110 having aside face 112 configured to abut against aside region 124 of afirst header tube 100 and having an elongated aperture or row of holes formed in saidface 112 for receiving the ends of joiningmembers - Each joining
member first portion corresponding hole second header tube 102, and asecond portion holes first header tube 100, whereby saidsecond portion member first header tube 100 and into theconnector block 110, thus providing fluid communication between thesecond header tube 102 and theconnector block 110. - A radially extending
flange member - An
outer face 114 of theconnector block 110 is provided with anaperture 116 for receiving aflattened end 142 of a delivery ordischarge conduit 140. - During assembly, the
connector block 110 can be secured to the header tubes by inserting a tool through theaperture 116 into at least one of the joining members whereby regions of the joining member on either side of the respective apertures in the header tubes and be expanded or clinched to lock the components together. The joiningmembers connector block 110 and theconduit 140 can then be sealed in their respective receiving apertures by brazing or by suitable adhesive. - Thus, a compact connecting structure is provided that serves to provide fluid connection between a delivery or discharge conduit and a header pipe of the manifold while at the same time supporting and correctly spacing the ends of the header tubes.
- In a second embodiment, illustrated in
FIGS. 4 to 6 , theconnector block 210 has a side face 212 configured to abut against a side region 224 of afirst header tube 200 and having an elongated aperture or row of holes 211 a,211 b,211 c formed in said face 212 for receiving the ends of joiningmembers - As in the first embodiment, each joining
member first portion second header tube 202, and asecond portion holes first header tube 200, whereby saidsecond portion member first header tube 200 and into theconnector block 210, thus providing fluid communication between thesecond header tube 202 and theconnector block 210. - Again, a radially extending
flange member - In the second embodiment the
connector block 210 comprises a substantially tubular body having anaperture 216 in one end face for receivingend 242 of a delivery ordischarge conduit 240 such that said end of theconduit 240 is arranged parallel to theheader tubes axial slot 244 is provided in the end of theconduit 240 for receiving the ends of thesecond portions member conduit 240 is formed with a bend spaced from saidend 242. Such arrangement provides a degree of flexibility in the angle of the conduit extending from the manifold to provide more flexibility in installation of the heat exchanger by selecting the circumferential position of theslot 244 in the end of theconduit 240. - An
aperture 205 is provided in an outer side of the connector block through which a tool can be inserted to deform or clinch the central joiningmember 230 b to lock theconnector block 210 to theheader tubes - As shown in
FIG. 6 , the ends of theheader tubes plug 250. - In a third embodiment, illustrated in
FIGS. 7 to 9 , theconnector 310 is again joined to theheader tubes members first portion second header tube 302, and asecond portion holes first header tube 300, whereby saidsecond portion member first header tube 300 and into theconnector block 310, thus providing fluid communication between thesecond header tube 302 and theconnector block 310. - Again, a radially extending
flange member second header tubes - In the third embodiment, the
connector block 310 is adapted to slidingly receive anend 342 of a delivery ordischarge conduit 340 over a portion of theconnector block 310. Anaxial slot 344 is provided in theend 342 of theconduit 340 to enable theconduit 340 to be slid over a substantially tubular portion 346 of theconnector block 310, the tubular portion 315 having anopening 316 end to enable fluid communication between theconduit 340 and the joiningmembers second header tube 302. - An
aperture 305 is provided in an outer side of the connector block through which a tool can be inserted to deform or clinch the central joiningmember 330 b to lock theconnector block 310 to theheader tubes header tubes - A fourth embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in
FIGS. 10 to 13 . In the fourth embodiment, theconnector block 410 is adapted to provide fluid communication with theheader tube 400 to which it is abutted. - The
connector block 410 has aside face 412 configured to abut against a side region 424 of afirst header tube 400 and having an elongated row of holes formed in saidface 412 for receiving the ends of joiningmembers - Each joining
member first portion first header tube 400, and asecond portion connector block 410, thus providing fluid communication between thesecond header tube 102 and theconnector block 110. Thefirst portion second portion header tube 400. - An
outer face 414 of theconnector block 110 is provided with anaperture 416 for receiving a flattenedend 442 of a delivery ordischarge conduit 440. - During assembly, the
connector block 410 can be secured to the header tubes by inserting a tool through theaperture 416 into at least the central one 430 b of the joining members to deform or clinch the end regions of the joining member to lock the components together. The joiningmembers connector block 410 and theconduit 440 can then be sealed in their respective receiving apertures by brazing or by suitable adhesive. - The
plug 450 serves to close the ends of the header tubes while at the same time holding the two header tubes together at the correct spacing. - Thus, a compact face connecting structure is provided that can provide a pipe connection with the header tube either the closest or furthest from the connection block by the use of the appropriate joining members.
- Various modifications and variations to the described embodiments of the inventions will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments.
- While three parallel joining members are used in the described embodiments, it is envisaged that one or more member could be used or a single member in the form of a flattened pipe having a width in the axial direction of the header tubes greater than that in the radial direction of the header tubes. However, multiple small tubes provide greater resistance to high pressure than a single large joining member and thus are considered particularly suitable for use with carbon dioxide refrigerant.
- Where the joining
members first header tube 300 into thesecond header tube 302, they may be provided with radial apertures in theirsecond portions connector block 310 and thefirst header tube 300 as well as thesecond header tube 302 is desired. - While this invention has been described in terms of the preferred embodiments thereof, it is not intended to be so limited, but rather only to the extent set forth in the claims that follow.
Claims (11)
1. A pipe connecting structure for a heat exchanger comprising:—
a header portion or manifold defined by a plurality of parallel elongate header tubes;
a connector block having a side face adapted to abut against a side region of an outer one of said header tubes and connection means configured to connect a pipe thereto;
and joining means comprising at least one elongate tubular member having a first end adapted to be inserted through a hole formed in a first side wall of at least said outer one of said header tubes, and a second end extending through a corresponding hole in said side face of the connector block, whereby said second end communicates with said connection means.
2. A pipe connecting structure as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the at least one tubular member of the joining means extends substantially perpendicular to said header tubes.
3. A pipe connecting structure as claimed in claim 2 , wherein said first end of said at least one elongate tubular member is adapted to extend through a corresponding hole in a second side wall of said outer one of said header tubes diametrically opposite said first side wall and through an aperture in a side wall of the one of said plurality of header tubes furthest from said outer one of said header tubes, whereby said first end communicates with an interior of said furthest one of said header tubes, whereby the at least one tubular member of the joining means extends between, and perpendicular to, said plurality of elongate header tubes to connect the plurality of elongate pipes to one another and to the connector block.
4. A pipe connecting structure as claimed in claim 3 , wherein said at least one tubular member of the joining means includes a radially extending flange located between said first and second ends and adapted to be positioned between sides faces of said furthest one of said header tubes and an adjacent header tube.
5. A pipe connecting structure as claimed in claim 4 , wherein said header portion comprises two parallel elongate header tubes, a first tube corresponding to said outer one of said header tubes and a second tube corresponding to said furthest one of said header tubes, said radially extending flange being positioned between said first and second tubes.
6. A pipe connecting structure as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the diameter of said first end of said at least one tubular member is smaller than the diameter of said second end.
7. A pipe connecting structure as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the joining means comprises a plurality of parallel tubular members arranged in a plane containing the longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of header tubes of the header portion.
8. A pipe connecting structure as claimed in claim 7 , wherein the connection means of the connector block is adapted to receive said pipe with said pipe arranged parallel to said plurality of header tubes.
9. A pipe connecting structure as claimed in claim 7 , wherein the connection means of the connector block is adapted to receive said pipe with the pipe arranged perpendicular to said plurality of header tubes.
10. A pipe connecting structure as claimed in claim 9 , wherein said connection means comprises a flange or stub to be received within an end of the pipe.
11. A pipe connecting structure as claimed in claim 10 , wherein the connection means comprises an aperture for receiving an end of the pipe.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP06256220A EP1930683B1 (en) | 2006-12-06 | 2006-12-06 | A pipe connecting structure for a heat exchanger |
EP06256220.2 | 2006-12-06 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080135222A1 true US20080135222A1 (en) | 2008-06-12 |
Family
ID=37946508
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/986,137 Abandoned US20080135222A1 (en) | 2006-12-06 | 2007-11-20 | Pipe connecting structure for a heat exchanger |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20080135222A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1930683B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE425429T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE602006005691D1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2013123355A1 (en) * | 2012-02-16 | 2013-08-22 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Face plumbing adapter for a heat exchanger assembly |
US10208879B2 (en) * | 2016-05-31 | 2019-02-19 | A. Raymond Et Cie | Fluid connector assembly |
WO2020123653A1 (en) * | 2018-12-14 | 2020-06-18 | Modine Manufacturing Company | Refrigerant condenser |
US20220357115A1 (en) * | 2019-06-26 | 2022-11-10 | Valeo Autosystemy Sp. Z O.O. | Heat exchanger |
WO2023181726A1 (en) * | 2022-03-22 | 2023-09-28 | サンデン株式会社 | Heat exchanger |
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DE10133940B4 (en) * | 2001-07-12 | 2013-01-31 | Behr Gmbh & Co. Kg | Connecting device for lines, in particular for a heat exchanger in a vehicle and heat exchanger |
DE502005003089D1 (en) * | 2005-03-31 | 2008-04-17 | Frape Behr Sa | Heat exchanger, in particular condenser for air conditioning |
-
2006
- 2006-12-06 EP EP06256220A patent/EP1930683B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2006-12-06 AT AT06256220T patent/ATE425429T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2006-12-06 DE DE602006005691T patent/DE602006005691D1/en active Active
-
2007
- 2007-11-20 US US11/986,137 patent/US20080135222A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US1653468A (en) * | 1926-08-24 | 1927-12-20 | Edward T Payne | Oil burner |
US2578397A (en) * | 1948-02-10 | 1951-12-11 | Arnolt Corp | Furniture construction |
US5240068A (en) * | 1991-05-31 | 1993-08-31 | Showa Aluminum Corporation | Heat exchanger |
US5290152A (en) * | 1992-05-14 | 1994-03-01 | Vooner Vacuum Pumps, Inc. | Manifold for a liquid ring vacuum pump-compressor |
US5477919A (en) * | 1992-10-12 | 1995-12-26 | Showa Aluminum Corporation | Heat exchanger |
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US6679319B1 (en) * | 1998-12-02 | 2004-01-20 | Zexel Valeo Climate Control Corporation | Heat exchanger |
US20030034648A1 (en) * | 2001-08-14 | 2003-02-20 | Zitkowic Michael T. | Coaxial quick connector |
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Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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WO2013123355A1 (en) * | 2012-02-16 | 2013-08-22 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Face plumbing adapter for a heat exchanger assembly |
CN104114971A (en) * | 2012-02-16 | 2014-10-22 | 德尔福技术有限公司 | Face plumbing adapter for a heat exchanger assembly |
US9879923B2 (en) | 2012-02-16 | 2018-01-30 | Mahle International Gmbh | Face plumbing adapter for a heat exchanger assembly |
US10208879B2 (en) * | 2016-05-31 | 2019-02-19 | A. Raymond Et Cie | Fluid connector assembly |
WO2020123653A1 (en) * | 2018-12-14 | 2020-06-18 | Modine Manufacturing Company | Refrigerant condenser |
US20220357115A1 (en) * | 2019-06-26 | 2022-11-10 | Valeo Autosystemy Sp. Z O.O. | Heat exchanger |
WO2023181726A1 (en) * | 2022-03-22 | 2023-09-28 | サンデン株式会社 | Heat exchanger |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ATE425429T1 (en) | 2009-03-15 |
DE602006005691D1 (en) | 2009-04-23 |
EP1930683B1 (en) | 2009-03-11 |
EP1930683A1 (en) | 2008-06-11 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.,MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BIVER, PHILLIPPE;BOUVIER, JOEL;DAMOTTE, HERVE;REEL/FRAME:024531/0408 Effective date: 20071204 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |